High Blood Pressure Specialist

Family Medicine and Mohr

Richard E. Mohr III, MD

Family Medicine Physician located in Florence, SC

High blood pressure, which affects over 100 million Americans, increases your risk of atherosclerosis, kidney disease, stroke, and of course, heart disease. If your blood pressure is over 120/80 mm Hg, board-certified physician Richard Mohr III, MD, provides personalized care at Family Medicine and Mohr in Florence, South Carolina. Schedule your hypertension evaluation through the website, or call the clinic directly to book your appointment today.

High Blood Pressure Q & A

What are the concerns associated with high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major health concern, and one of the primary causes of heart disease. Having high blood pressure means that there’s excessive force on the walls of your blood vessels.

This is an issue because you often start to develop plaque buildup on your vessels, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which makes them more narrow. Over time, these issues increase your risk of:

  • Vision problems and blindness
  • Kidney failure
  • Heart failure
  • Heart attack
  • Aneurysm 
  • Stroke 

Your blood pressure needs to stay at or below 120/80 mm Hg to lower your risk of heart disease.

What causes high blood pressure?

High blood pressure occurs for several reasons. When you come to Family Medicine and Mohr for a hypertension evaluation, Dr. Mohr talks with you about your personal and family medical history. He may order tests and screenings to try to pinpoint why you may have elevated blood pressure.

Although being overweight and following a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk of hypertension, in many cases, an underlying issue may be to blame, too. Conditions and factors that lead to hypertension may include:

  • Diabetes 
  • Sleep apnea
  • Hyperthyroidism 
  • Older age (over age 60)
  • Excessive alcohol or tobacco use 

Your risk of developing hypertension increases if you also have chronic kidney disease and high cholesterol. In any case, because high blood pressure is a serious concern, Dr. Mohr works with you to find the best treatment solution. 

How can I lower my blood pressure?

Family Medicine and Mohr provides high blood pressure management plans that enhance your overall wellbeing. In most cases, lowering your blood pressure involves making lifestyle changes. Dr. Mohr may recommend:

  • Losing weight
  • Getting more exercise
  • Reducing your sodium intake
  • Managing your stress or anxiety

Dr. Mohr might also prescribe blood pressure-lowering medications if you have Stage 1 hypertension, in which your blood pressure is above 130/80 mm Hg, or if you have Stage 2 hypertension, meaning your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mm Hg. Because of his expertise in lifestyle modifications combined with medications (when needed), Dr. Mohr can help you bring your blood pressure down. 

Click on the online scheduling tool to book your high blood pressure evaluation at Family Medicine and Mohr today. You can also call the clinic to schedule by phone.